1. Newark (12-1, 6-1 Flight A) The Yellow Jackets will be in pursuit of their eighth state title in nine years and eleventh overall, expanding upon their own all-time record. Since the start of the 1996 season they've pasted a 96-10 record. The only time that they failed to win the D-I title in the last eight years was 2002, when they were done in by injuries and inexperience, finishing 6-4. They've been perfect in the postseason since losing to archrival William Penn in the 1996 title game and are currently riding an all-time record 15-game playoff win streak. It will be difficult to bet against them once again this season. They lost several key players, but plenty of talent returns, beginning with QB Steve Williams, who accounted for 19 total touchdowns (12 rushing, 7 passing), and continuing with RB Esthervell Cotton, who averaged 10 yards per carry, linebacker Scott Gardner, who has led the team in tackles the last two years, defensive backs Rich Godwin (6 interceptions in '04) and James Snider and linemen Phil Hudson, Sean McLaughlin, Drew Chura, Brent Jervey and Bryan Perkins. Throw in the best coaching staff in the state and Newark looks like a strong contender to become the first program ever to three-peat twice as state champs.

2. Middletown (9-4, 6-1 Flight A) The Cavaliers have turned the sting of last year's 14-0 title game loss to Newark into inspiration, and have quietly been working their tails off in preparation for a run at the team that they've beaten in the regular season every year since their promotion to D-I in 2002. QB Chuck Walker looks poised for a huge campaign after leading the school to the 7-on-7 title this past summer, earning DEPreps pick as league MVP. Zach Wolfe and Calvin Suggs will lead the rushing game and continue to star in the secondary, while Eric Latimore will be the headliner of a talented line. The Cavaliers always have some of the state's best LB's and this year's crop is led by Justin Comegys and Vince Tiberi. Keep an eye on Vince's cousin, sleeper star Dominick Tiberi, who will star at TE and DE. The early part of the schedule will be difficult. The Cavaliers have a tough opening night showdown at Downingtown West (PA), who will already have one game under their belt. Weeks two and three will feature home games with Caesar Rodney and Newark, respectively.

3. William Penn (7-4, 6-1 Flight A) The Colonials have won eight state titles, second only to Newark's ten, and they have the talent to add a ninth and knock the Jackets from the top of the mountain in D-I. The defense will be stingy with the return of All-State players like LB Kaamil "Bam-Bam" Alghanee and DB Darin Henry. Alghanee will also be a force on offense playing fullback. QB Steve Alexander has a cannon arm and a crew of talented receivers that includes Henry, Marcus Allen, Brandon Stangee, Mike Robusto, Melvin Robinson and star TE Jamail Berry. Special teams will also be rock solid with Alexander kicking and punting, and Henry terrorizing opponents on returns. Coach Bill Cole's troops round out a top three that features three teams from the same Conference. Penn will have to be strong early with games at Caesar Rodney in week one and at home against Salesianum in week two.

4. Salesianum (9-2) Following a magical 9-2 campaign, that featured two of the greatest comebacks in school history, the Sals are back among the elite. Legendary head coach Bill DiNardo's squad suffered some big losses (34 seniors gone) and will have to battle against a murderous schedule, but making life easier will be the return of three of the state's top skill position players, WR Bobby Sabol, HB Nick Dominelli and TE/DE Andrew Szczerba. Senior Ben Farley will take over for 2004 Offensive Player of the Year Gene DelleDonne at QB and the line will be anchored by All-Conference performers Chris Ciaffi and Matt Gillin. Dave Willard and Mike Phillips will make an impact at LB and the school's colossal group of underclassmen will begin to make their mark. The Sals will be tested on opening night when Newark pays a visit to Baynard Stadium for a rematch of last year's playoff semi-final game that was won by the Yellow Jackets 36-19.

5. Milford (7-3, 4-1 Henlopen North) Entering the season the Henlopen North appears to be as wide open as I've ever seen any conference. Still, if I had to pick a favorite, it would be Milford. The Buccaneers have improved in each of coach Mike Tkach's three years at the helm. Last season they clinched the program's first winning season since 1987 despite being moved up from Division II to Division I. In 2005 they'll attempt to take the next step and pay a visit to the playoffs for the first time since their only appearance in 1974. The Tkach Pack will feature one of the state's best lines, led by Jack Simon, Mike White, Eli Stapleford, Brandon Kenzierski, Luke Pierson, Ben Tucker and Jed Bell. Keep an eye on Stapleford, who had 10 sacks last season from his DE spot, and Pierson, who notched 106 tackles at LB. FB Yvenel Sainsume will have to carry the offensive load while the team in breaks in a new QB, but expect Milford's shotgun-option offense to be as difficult to defend as ever.

6. Caesar Rodney (9-2, 5-0 Henlopen North) The Riders lost more to graduation than any other team in Delaware, but they've proven to be a consistent winner and a difficult opponent even when they rebuild. Newcomers from the JV will have to plug the team's many holes and returning players like RB/DB Hermanski Jackson, WR/LB Jason Cunningham and OL/DL Matt Rigby will have to step up their games in order for the Riders to be successful. New QB Dan Yearick has gained plenty of big-game experience while playing lacrosse and he'll need to be sharp early on with a schedule that features games with William Penn and Middletown in the season's first two weeks.

Dover (3-7, 1-4 Henlopen North) New head coach Carlton Brown inherits a program with talent running through its veins. Brown's first order of business was hiring an academic advisor for the team and on the field he's stressed discipline and team play. The Senators will be big up front with the return of lineman Chris Sears, Tyler Burns, Carl Batson and they'll be quick in the backfield with underrated HB Joe Simmons. The defense will be led by DB Jeremy Hicks and LB Jawaan Flythe. The schedule will be tough with non-conference games against Catholic powers Salesianum and St. Mark's, and the players will have to adjust to a more wide-open offensive system, but the talent is there to make a serious run at the Henlopen North title and the automatic playoff berth that goes with it.

St. Mark's (3-7) The Spartans suffered through their first losing since 2000 and they saw their three-game win-streak over archrival Salesianum come to an end. Popular head coach Vinnie Scott retired at the end of the year, opening the door for assistant John Wilson to take over at the helm. Much of the burden for this year's team will fall on QB Scott Wallace and FB/LB Tim Widdoes, but they've shown in the past that they're up to the challenge. The line should be strong with the return of All-Catholic players T.J. Burgos, Andrew Buffington, Alex Snyder and the emergence of tall, athletic DE Desmond Wynn. The Spartans will open the season with a road trip to Charter to take on star QB Corey Phelan and the force. The game presents a great QB matchup between two of the state's premier passers, Wallace and Phelan.

Sussex Central (5-5, 2-3 Henlopen North) Youth will be served on a team that could feature as few as three senior starters. RB's Cleveland Hagans and Courtland Conaway will be the focal points of the offense, along with WR Brian Scott. Also keep an eye on All-Conference players like LB Lee Bailey, DE Darshon Adkins and LB Kyle Brimmer. The non-conference schedule is difficult, with games against Chrtistiana, Pennsylvania powerhouse Interboro, and Glasgow, which should help toughen them up for conference play.